Waste filter and manifold system

ABSTRACT

A filter system especially useful in the treatment of waste material, in particular liquid waste material which may include particulate matter therein. The filter system includes a series of filters of progressively finer porosity in order to selectively eliminate particulate (or semi-particulate) matters from a carrier material, typically but not exclusively, of a fluid or liquid nature. The filters are mounted within a housing which includes an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, wherein each inlet port includes a check valve.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.09/860,694, filed May 21, 2001, which is a divisional of applicationSer. No. 09/566,491, filed May 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,246.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is directed to a waste filter and manifold system,in general, and, more particularly, to a waste filter and manifoldsystem for removing solids or semi-solids from a fluid or liquidcarrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are many uses for waste filter and manifold systems and/ordevices for removing certain types of materials from a carrier. One suchapplication is the removal of solid or semi-solid detritus such as bonechips, flesh, blood clots, or the like from the waste material generatedby a medical procedure or operation. This removal process permits theliquid or fluid carrier to be treated separately from the other debriswhich is trapped by the filtration process. Of course, filtrationprocesses are not limited to the medical field, per se, but can be usedin areas such as clean rooms or other sterile environments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a waste filter and manifold system whichis especially useful in the treatment of waste material, in particularliquid waste material which may include particulate matter therein. Thewaste filter and manifold system includes filtration means, for example,a series of filter elements of increasingly finer porosity in order toselectively eliminate particulate and/or or semi-particulate matter froma fluid or liquid carrier material passing through the filter elements.The filter elements are mounted within a housing which includes at leastone inlet port and at least one outlet port. The waste filter andmanifold system includes at least one check valve to establishunidirectional flow to prevent reverse flow of effluent therethrough.The filter elements are intended (but are not required) to bedisposable. The housing may also be disposable, if preferred.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is an oblique view of one embodiment of a housing for awaste filter and manifold system of the instant invention;

[0006]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the waste filterand manifold system of the instant invention;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a partially broken away rear view of a preferredembodiment of the waste filter and manifold system of the instantinvention;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a partially broken away side or oblique view of thewaste filter and manifold system shown in FIG. 3;

[0009]FIG. 5 is a top view of the housing for the waste filter andmanifold system shown in FIG. 1 with the lid and the internal componentsremoved;

[0010]FIG. 6 is an oblique view of a check valve shown in FIG. 2 andused in the waste filter and manifold system of the instant invention;

[0011]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the check valve shown in FIG. 6; and

[0012]FIGS. 8A and 8B show a distal end of the check valve shown in FIG.6 illustrating closed and open positions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an oblique, external viewof a preferred embodiment of a waste filter and manifold system 100 ofthe instant invention. The waste filter and manifold system 100 may alsobe referred to as a filtration unit 100 or simply as the system 100. Thesystem 100 includes a generally hollow housing 101 and a removable lid102. The lid 102 can include one or more ears 102A, which are useful inremoving the lid from the housing.

[0014] A plurality of inlet ports 103-106 are shown projecting outwardlyfrom a front surface of the housing 101. As will be noted infra, theinlet ports 103-106 can be integrally formed with the housing 101.Alternatively, the inlet ports 103-106, the number of which is not acritical part of the invention, per se, can be formed as a separateassembly which is conveniently mounted at the housing 101 (see infra atFIG. 2). The inlet ports 103-106 are provided to be connected to asuitable source of material to be filtered by means of a suitableconduit. In a typical application, the conduit comprises conventional“plastic” tubing.

[0015] As shown in this embodiment, an outlet port 107 depends from abottom of the housing 101 and is adapted to drain and conduct thefiltered contents of the housing 101 to a suitable receiver. Again,while not intended to be limitative of the invention, the outlet port107 is inserted into a conduit such as conventional tubing.

[0016] An optional feature of the system 100 comprises port caps 110-113which fit snugly over outer ends of the inlet ports 103-106,respectively. In this embodiment, the port caps 110-113 are attachedtogether via a flexible cap leash 109. The configuration of the leash109, typically a thin plastic strip, can vary as a function of designpreference. In this embodiment, the leash 109 includes a cap ring 108which is adapted to encircle and engage the outlet port 107 forconvenience. In addition, the leash 109 includes a leash grommet 114which is adapted to engage a leash pin 115 which depends from a lowerfront portion of the housing 101. In this embodiment, the leash grommet114 and cap ring 108 are formed as an integral unit.

[0017] In use, the port caps 110-113 are used to cover any of the inletports 103-106 which are not connected to an input source (not shown) asdescribed supra, in order to maintain the integrity of the system 100,in general, and to prevent leakage through the housing 101, inparticular. The port caps 110-113 can, of course, be individuallyprovided (with or without individual leashes) and need not be connectedby a common leash 109.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown an exploded view of thesystem 100. Typically, the lid 102 is formed of polyethylene andincludes a peripheral groove 102B (see infra at FIG. 3) which receivesand snugly engages an upper edge 101A or lip of the housing 101. In thisembodiment, the housing 101 is formed of ABS and is, generally,rectangular in configuration with a slightly arcuate rear surface (whichis provided for mounting purposes in one typical application).

[0019] In this embodiment, a plurality of inlet port openings 213-216are provided through the front surface of the housing 101. That is, assuggested supra, the inlet ports 103-106 can be formed on a commonsupport base 202, and take the form of a separate assembly 201. In thiscase, the assembly 201 is placed inside the housing 101 with theproximal ends of the inlet ports 103-106 extending outwardly through theports openings 213-216. The support base 202 is, typically, affixed toan inner surface of the housing 101 in any suitable manner. Of course,in the embodiment wherein the inlet ports 103-106 are formed as integralparts of the housing 101, per se, the separate port openings 213-216 areunnecessary.

[0020] The port caps 110-113 and the related cap leash 109, cap ring108, and leash grommet 114 are adapted to be mounted to the assembly 201as suggested in FIG. 1 whether the inlet ports 103-106 are separate orintegral with the housing 101. Again, the leash 109 (and the designthereof) is not a critical portion of the invention.

[0021] A plurality of check valves 203-206 are adapted to be attached toinner or distal ends of the inlet ports 103-106, respectively. Each ofthe check valves 203-206, described in greater detail infra, includes aconnection portion, for example connector 301, (generally cylindrical inthis embodiment) which is the proximal end of the check valve and isadapted to be snugly joined to the inner (distal) end of the respectiveinlet port 103-106. A flexible distal end of each of the check valves203-206 permits fluid flow through the check valves 203-206 in onedirection only as described infra relative to FIGS. 6, 7, 8A, and 8B.

[0022] Mounted within the housing 101 is a first filter element 210which is the least porous filter element in the preferred embodiment.Typically, the first filter element 210 is fabricated of reticulatedpolyurethane foam and is, in a preferred embodiment, about 0.3 inchesthick. In this embodiment, the first filter element 210 hasapproximately 100 pores per linear inch although this parameter can varyin accordance with the application of the system 100.

[0023] Mounted within the housing 101 immediately above the first filterelement 210 is a filter support gasket 209 which is fabricated of ABSand, thus, provides a rather rigid gasket. Typically, the gasket 209conforms somewhat snugly to an inner perimeter of the housing 101. Thegasket 209 is, typically, affixed to the inner surface of the housing101 by any suitable method such as adhesives, bonding, frictional forcefit, sonic welding, or the like. Thus, the gasket 209 maintains thefirst filter element 210 in position and prevents leakage flow to theoutlet port 107 around the first filter element 210.

[0024] Mounted above the first filter element 210 is a second filterelement 211 wherein the second filter element 211 is typically moreporous than the first filter element 210. In the preferred embodiment,the second filter element 211 contains about 30 pores per linear inchand is about 0.3 inches thick. The second filter element 211 is,typically, fabricated of reticulated polyurethane foam and extendssnugly to the inner surface of the housing 101 to prohibit flowtherearound. The second filter element 211 tends to rest loosely uponthe support gasket 209 and an upper surface of the first filter element210.

[0025] Also, mounted in the housing 101 is a third filter element 212which is the most porous filter element in this embodiment. Typically,the third filter element 212 is fabricated of reticulated polyurethanefoam and has about 5 pores per linear inch. It is noted that the thirdfilter element 212 has a configuration which advantageouslysubstantially surrounds the distal ends of the check valves 203-206. Inthis embodiment, the configuration of the third filter element 212 issuch that wall thicknesses thereof are about 0.5 inch, while a height ofa back and sides is about 1.5 inches. The third filter element has theeffect of confining any effluent which passes through the check valves203-206 so that the effluent material flow must pass through the filterelements 210-212 of the system 100 in order to traverse from the inletports 103-106 to the outlet port 107.

[0026] The third filter element 212 may be fabricated in a “sofa”configuration as shown. Alternatively, the third filter element 212 canbe fabricated from a flat sheet of material which is cut to shape andfolded into the depicted shape.

[0027] It must be understood, of course, that the specificconfigurations and/or parameters of any of the filter elements 210-212are desirable but can be varied in accordance with a specific filtrationprocess required. In fact, some or all of the filter elements 210-212may be combined or eliminated as a single filter element, if so desired.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a partially broken awayview of the system 100 taken through a rear of the housing 101. There isshown an interior of the front surface of the housing 101 with thedistal end of check valves 203-206 extending inwardly. The lid 102includes the groove 102B which is secured to the edge 101A of thehousing 101. Ribs 310 provide support and rigidity to the lid 102 andcan be omitted in some designs.

[0029] As seen, the first filter element 210 is mounted adjacent to thebottom of the housing 101 and above the outlet port 107. A partialshading suggests a fine porosity of the first filter element 210.

[0030] The gasket 209 is disposed above the first filter element 210and, as noted, is secured to the housing 101. In one embodiment, uprightpins 320 extend upwardly from an inner bottom surface of the housing101. The pins 320 extend through the first filter element 210 and engageapertures in the gasket 209 to secure the gasket 209 and the firstfilter element 210 to the housing 101. This arrangement maintains thefirst filter element 210 in position and affords a support for the otherfilter elements 211,212. The pins 320, if utilized, can be treated toassist in securing the gasket 209 to the housing 101.

[0031] The second filter element 211 rests upon the gasket 209 and, tosome extent, upon the first filter element 210. The partial shading ofsecond filter element 211 suggests a more porous structure than thefirst filter element 210.

[0032] The third filter element 212 is also provided in the housing 101and is adjacent to the check valves 203-206. As shown, the third filterelement 212 rests upon the second filter element 211 and substantiallysurrounds the distal ends of the check valves 203-206. That is, thethird filter element 212 includes side walls 212A and 212B which extendupwardly along side walls of the housing 101 into close proximity to aninner surface of the lid 102. Thus, effluent from the check valves203-206 is contained within the third filter element 212 to insurefiltration of all of the effluent. The partial shading of the thirdfilter element 212 suggests a structure which is more porous than thesecond filter element 211.

[0033] In FIG. 3, the support base 202 for the inlet ports 103-106 isshown although this support base 202 may be eliminated as describedsupra.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cut away view of thesystem 100. The system 100 includes the housing 101, lid 102 and outletport 107. Also, the inlet port 106 is shown complete while the inletport 105 is partially broken away. The port cap 113 is shown along withthe partially broken away port cap 112 together with the optional leash109 and leash ring 108.

[0035] A partially cutaway view of the check valve 205 is shown insidethe housing 101 and connected to the inlet port 105. The check valve 205is described infra.

[0036] Ribs 116 (seen best in FIG. 5) are formed at a lower internalsurface of the housing 101 extending toward an opening 107A in theoutlet port 107. The first filter element 210 rests upon an interiorledge 118 adjacent to the bottom of the housing 101 and, in some cases,upon upper edges of the ribs 116. The gasket 209 maintains the firstfilter element 210 in place as described supra. The second filterelement 211 is supported by the gasket 209.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 4, the third filter element 212 rests on thesecond filter element 211. The third filter element 212 includes theside wall portions 212A and 212B which are joined to the bottom sectionof the third filter element 212. As noted supra, the third filterelement 212 comprises a sofa-shaped, basket-like filter element whichreceives and filters all of the effluent from the check valves 203-206before the flow passes through the other filter elements 210-211 and outthrough outlet port 107. The decreasing porosity of the filter elements210-212 removes smaller sized, fluid borne matter as the fluid passesthrough the system 100.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top view of the housing101 with the lid 102 and the filter elements 210-212 removed. In thisview, the inlet ports 103-106 are shown formed integrally with thehousing 101 and with the check valves 203-206 removed. The bottom of thehousing 101 is shown to incorporate a plurality of the ribs 116 whichextend generally radially from the opening 107A of the outlet port 107to the inner surface of the housing 101. The ribs 116 serve to channelthe effluent which has passed through the filter elements 210-212 intothe opening 107A in the outlet port 107. The rim 117 adjacent to theopening 107A may be formed in the interior bottom surface 118 of thehousing 101 and is sloped downwardly to enhance outward flow from thehousing 101 to the outlet port 107. The interior bottom surface 118 ofhousing 101 may also be configured to slope from the perimeter thereoftoward the outlet port 107 in order to enhance outward flow of effluent.

[0039] Referring now concurrently to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown anassembled view and an exploded view, respectively, of one of the checkvalves 203-206, for example. The check valve 203 comprises the connectortube 301 which is designed to engage with the respective inlet port 103.Typically, the tube 301 is a short cylindrical tube which is relativelyrigid in order to maintain its shape. However, the tube 301 is able tosnugly engage the inlet port 103 and form a secure, leakproof connectiontherewith.

[0040] The check valve 203 also includes an elongated, flattened tube304 which is, in this embodiment, formed by flaps 302 and 303 ofgenerally planar, flexible material such as PVC. The flaps 302 and 303each have one end joined to the connector tube 301 in suitable fashion,as for example by adhesives, RF bonding, sonic welding or the like toform a secure seal. Side edges of the flaps 302 and 303 are also sealedto each other in a suitable fashion as suggested above. Thus, a commonend of the flaps 302 and 303 along with the tube 301 forms a generallycylindrical opening which communicates with the space between the flapswhich are sealed together at the side edges at seams 305 and 306 to formthe flattened tube 304. The other ends of the flaps 302 and 303 are notsealed together but are independently flexible.

[0041] Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, by properly selecting the dimensionsof the components, the unsealed ends of the flaps 302 and 303 tend tocome together snugly and form a closed end to the check valve 203.

[0042] Conversely, as shown in FIG. 8B, the unsealed ends of the flaps302 and 303 can be spread apart by application of a modest force appliedthereto by fluid passing through the check valve 203.

[0043] Thus, fluid can flow through the tube 301, through the channel inthe tube 304 defined between the edge-sealed flaps 302 and 303, and outthe unsealed end of the check valve 203. However, inasmuch as theunsealed ends of the flaps 302 and 303 tend to come together in theabsence of a pressurized flow through the check valve 203 unidirectionalflow is achieved and reverse flow through the check valve 203 cannotoccur.

[0044] It should he understood that the pressurized flow can be providedby supplying a positive pressure at an input side of the connector tube301 (e.g. via the inlet ports 103-106) or by supplying a negativepressure (e.g. vacuum) at the unsealed end of the flaps 302 and 303 atthe distal end of the check valve 203 (e.g. via the outlet port 107). Ineither case, unidirectional flow through the check valve 203 isachieved.

[0045] Thus, there is shown and described a unique design and concept ofa waste filter and manifold system 100. While this description isdirected to a particular embodiment, it is understood that those skilledin the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specificembodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications orvariations which fall within the purview of this description areintended to be included therein as well. It is understood that thedescription herein is intended to be illustrative only and is notintended to be limitative. Rather, the scope of the invention describedherein is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filtration unit for filtering material flowingtherethrough, comprising; a housing, a plurality of inlet ports mountedat said housing, at least one outlet port mounted at said housing andspaced apart from said plurality of inlet ports, at least one checkvalve interposed between said plurality of inlet ports and said outletport for controlling the material flowing therebetween, and at least onefilter element interposed between said at least one check valve and saidoutlet port for filtering the material flowing therebetween.
 2. The unitas set forth in claim 1 further including a second filter elementadjacent to said at least one filter element.
 3. The unit as set forthin claim 2 wherein said at least one filter element has a firstfiltration parameter and said second filter element has a secondfiltration parameter different than said first filtration parameter. 4.The unit as set forth in claim 3 further including a third filterelement adjacent to said second filter element and having a thirdfiltration parameter different than said first and second filtrationparameters.
 5. The unit as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of saidfilter elements are fabricated of reticulated polyurethane foam.
 6. Theunit as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first filtration parameter isgreater than said second filtration parameter and said second filtrationparameter is greater than said third filtration parameter.
 7. The unitas set forth in claim 6 wherein said first, second, and third filtrationparameters are between 5 and 100 pores per linear inch.
 8. A filtrationunit for filtering material flowing therethrough, comprising; a housing,a plurality of inlet ports mounted at said housing, at least one outletport mounted at said housing and spaced apart from said plurality ofinlet ports, a plurality of check valves, each adapted to be attached toa respective one of said inlet ports and interposed between saidplurality of inlet ports and said outlet port for controlling thematerial flowing therebetween in said housing, a first filter elementinterposed between said plurality of check valves and said outlet portand having a first filtration parameter, and a second filter elementadjacent to said first filter element and having a second filtrationparameter different than said first filtration parameter.